by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

and

Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com

An estimated 5,000 people lined the streets of Claremont Saturday as part of the nationwide No Kings protest.

People of all ages, including entire families, began congregating at Indian Hill and Foothill boulevards well in advance of the 2 to 4 p.m. demonstration, which was intended to draw attention to myriad controversial policies and actions of the Trump administration.

Manuel Sanchez, 42, of Fontana, at Saturday’s No Kings protest in Claremont. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

“We are throwing an event to say that America is for all people, all citizens, everyone is welcome here,” said Victoria Bhavsar, a representative from one of the event’s organizers,  Indivisible Claremont/Inland Valley Action Group. “We expect our president to uphold the Constitution, follow the law, and not put himself or anybody else in this administration above the law.”

Protesters massed at the intersection but quickly spread in all directions, west nearly to Mountain Avenue, east for hundreds of yards, and north and south on Indian Hill Boulevard. It was by far the largest demonstration in recent memory in Claremont. There was no visible police presence at the protest, and no counter protesters. The large event was loud and raucous, but entirely peaceful.

“I want to defend my rights, number one,” said Jose Moreno of Pomona, when asked why he attended. “I want to also show my feelings for all those immigrants who are arrested indiscriminately, and also for the LGBTQ rights [that] have been taken away.”

Signs ranged from simple and understated to massive and profane, and everything in between.

Some of the estimated 5,000 folks who attended Saturday’s No Kings protest in Claremont. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

“Today, the ‘No King’ protest is about the democracy that is under attack by a fascist president and his regime, his administration,” said 42-year-old Manuel Sanchez of Fontana. “They’re out there pushing hate, supporting criminals, but their boss is the main criminal. So that’s the message we need to put out.”

Upland resident Kim Randall, 58, said she attended to release pent up frustration that has been building over the last few weeks.

“I hate Donald Trump. I’ve hated him for a long time,” said Randall. “And his overreach is just appalling, and I can’t believe there are still people that support him. So, I just had to do something and this has made me so happy that it is going to sustain me for a while.”

Saturday’s No Kings protests fell on Trump’s 79^th birthday and coincided with a $45 million military parade in Washington D.C. said to be in observance of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

Cheryl Suson, 73, was skeptical about the reason for the D.C. parade. “It’s just for him,” she said.

The parade took place nearly a week after Trump unilaterally took control of the California National Guard, ordering 4,000 soldiers, then 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, ostensibly to keep the peace and protect federal buildings.

“It is absolutely wrong that our president will just step without the consent of the governor to just come and just invade California without permission,” Moreno said. “We don’t need no ICE,” referencing the shorthand for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

One common theme at the protest was immigration, a topic that hit home for 23-year-old Upland resident Aaron Medellin, who ran down Foothill Boulevard carrying U.S. and Mexico flags.

Upland’s Aaron Medellin at Saturday’s No Kings protest in Claremont. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

“Not only do I know people that are undocumented, a lot of my family are undocumented too,” Medellin said. “So it’s scary to think that one day someone’s going to come home, my parents aren’t going to be there, someone that I love and care for is not going to be there anymore. So, it hits home deeply, you know? It’s something ridiculous that they’re coming in trying to take children, families that are just working for their hard-earned money, trying to get a better life not only for themselves, but for their families. It’s saddening.”

Randall and Sanchez said recent Trump administration actions — including ICE raids in local communities, the military being deployed to LA, California Senator Alex Padilla being forcibly removed from a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — haven’t shaken their belief in core American principles.

Those same actions have affected Medellin’s perception. He said he feels “indifferent” at the moment. “I don’t know how to feel anymore,” he said.

Upland resident Cesar, 39, at Saturday’s No Kings protest. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Some of the thousands of signs at Saturday’s No Kings protest in Claremont. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Signs ranged from simple and small to massive and profane at Saturday’s protest. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Claremont resident Lisa Dorman dressed as lady liberty at Saturday’s No Kings protest in Claremont. Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Courier photo/Mick Rhodes

Courier photo/Mick Rhodes